Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) is an umbrella term that covers difficulties related to speech sounds development, understanding (receptive) and using (expressive) language and/or communicating with others. There are many different ways language and communication needs impact on students, and these can change over time. We see the impact on areas such as behaviour, often due to lack of understanding, self-esteem, friendships and learning. Sometimes we support with developing communication from pre-verbal to higher level or more specific differences. Many students have undiagnosed conditions or differences, and we offer practical support to develop language and communication.
Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) is used to describe difficulties with understanding and/or speaking in sentences to express meaning, when there are no other diagnosed conditions such as autism to explain the difficulties. In a class of 30 Children, 2 are likely to have DLD (Speech and Language UK 2025).
We have staff who have been trained in the use of the Derbyshire Language Scheme (DLS).
What We Offer
- Observations
- Work with staff, caregivers and students
- Formal and informal assessments
- Practical support to set up communication systems using visual aids with modelling
- Training sessions about the effective use of visual support.
- Strategies to develop communication skills
- Primary Talk and Talk Boost KS2 Training
Client Feedback
Gained knowledge
“I have enjoyed the training and feel that I have gained more knowledge, especially about speech and language difficulties.”
— Anonymous
New ideas
“The training has opened up new ideas about a particular child I am working with which I will observe with this training in mind.“
— Anonymous
Practical advice
“Always listens, gives sensible and practical advice and support.”
— Anonymous
FOCUSS 